Forbidden Love in The Winner’s Curse: guest post + giveaway

When we invite an author to do a guest post for The Midnight Garden, the truth is that we never know what we’re going to get. I was thrilled when Marie Rutkoski’s piece came through for the official blog tour, however–I asked if she would talk to us about forbidden love, since Kestrel and Arin have to overcome a great many obstacles in The Winner’s Curse. This turned into something of an impromptu Q & A from the prompts I sent, and the thoughtfulness of her answers reaffirmed absolutely everything I loved about the book. It doesn’t hurt that she also mentions several of my favorite books in this post, too!

If you’re a romantic, I daresay you’ll want a copy of this book straight away after reading this post.

~ Wendy

Why do we find forbidden love appealing?

Marie Rutkoski: You must choose:

1. Your very favorite meal, offered when you are almost starving, when you can practically taste the salt or sweet or savory even before you lift the fork, OR

2. Your very favorite meal, after you’ve been snacking all day.

Setting aside the fact that writing this just made me grab a bag of chips, I think we know what choice we want to have happen in books.

For me, the appeal of a forbidden love story lies in a certain amount of self-denial. I’ve never been particularly interested in Romeo and Juliet as lovers (honestly, I don’t think we love them so much as we love the absolutely gorgeous things that they say. It’s Shakespeare’s words that we’re after) because they deny themselves so little. Their forbidden love is about the pressure of the world outside their relationship, not their internal struggle, and while yes, it can be compelling to see a love rendered impossible by society or its authority figures (and yes, there’s some of that in The Winner’s Curse), if this doesn’t come along with some internal resistance in the characters, I’m not going to be very interested. We know what it’s like to want what we can’t have, but we also know what it’s like to deny ourselves what we think we shouldn’t be allowed to have. As a reader, I want my wants as rich and beautiful and painful and complex as they come.

I just stacked several of my favorite forbidden romances on my desk. In alphabetical order:

My heart just sang in about a million ways to see this list. I’ve read all of these books many times, and the thing that forbids love (though we know love will eventually rule) is very different from book to book—suspicion, guilt, amputation, obligations of honor, immorality, betrayal, fear of being spurned, fear of doing damage…yet as different as these things may be, they all expose our characters’ great vulnerabilities and internal struggle.

We readers are very reasonable. We want nothing less than to have a character’s heart cut open for all to see.

What complications/considerations did you have to think about in order to write about the complex slave/owner romance?

Marie Rutkoski:I was nervous when I began writing this book. Other people were nervous for me (one person, when she heard the idea for it, said, “Does he have to be a slave? Couldn’t Arin be, you know, an indentured servant?”). Slavery is one of the most grievous violations of humanity. When representing such a great crime, there should be great care. I have tried to be careful.

For me, one of the most important dialogues in the book, and one that relates to your question, is when Arin is furious at Kestrel for mourning the death of a former slave. Although Kestrel and Arin don’t realize it, they are also talking about the possibility of any kind of emotional connection between them.

He tugged Kestrel to her feet, and the shock of it forced her gaze to his. The blacks of his eyes were blown wide with feeling.

His hand was iron around her wrist. She tugged free, the cruelty of what he had said bringing fresh tears to her eyes. “I loved her,” Kestrel whispered.

“You loved her because she did anything you wanted.”

“That’s not true.”

“She didn’t love you. She could never love you. Where is her real family, Kestrel?”

She didn’t know. She had been afraid to ask.

“Where is her daughter? Her grandchildren? If she loved you, it was because she had no choice, and there was no one else left.”

What are some of your favorite reactions to Kestrel and Arin’s relationship?

Marie Rutkoski: I like that people have been describing it as a “slow burn.” It totally is.

Could you give us some hints about what will happen in future books?

Marie Rutkoski: I createdan inspiration board for the book. If you’d like to get a visual idea of what it’s about, you can check out the The Winner’s Curse Pinterest board, which I’m revealing exclusively here for the first time.

…and if you’ve already read the book and are curious about what happens in Book 2, you will find that there are hints and teasers about it mixed in with The Winner’s Curse images.

Our thanks to Marie Rutkoski for both her beautiful book and for the lovely guest post. The Winner’s Curse will be available online and in stores on March 4, 2014. Visit her online on her website, Twitter, GoodReads, and Facebook to keep up to date on her latest news.

Read the Free Short Story and Our Review

If you read my effusive review of The Winner’s Curse last week, you know that we’re recommending that you pre-order your copy NOW! The Grisha trilogy is ending this June, and this might just be the thing that takes your mind off that pain.

Be sure to also read the free short story Bridge of Snow on Tor.com, a beautiful fairy tale-like story. If you haven’t read the book yet, it’ll allow you to press your nose against the windowpane of The Winner’s Curse world, and if you have read it, it illuminates a dark corner you didn’t know existed.

Thanks to our wonderful friends at Macmillan Teen, we have an amazing prize package for one of our lucky readers. The goodies include:

1 finished copy of The Winner’s Curse

bookmarks

eyeshadow

stickers

I NEED ONE OF THOSE BOOKMARKS, people! They’re so lovely, and the the other prizes are just amazing, too.

To enter, all you need to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form with your details and leave a thoughtful comment below telling us why you NEED a copy of this book as soon as possible. Open to our U.S. and Canadian readers aged 18 and older, or 13 and older with parental permission. See entry form for complete details. Good luck!

First off the cover for this book is absolutely gorgeous but just because it has a pretty cover doesn’t always mean the book is going to be good.Yet, I’ve heard many good things about this book and everyone is raving about it. After reading that little excerpt I think I’m sold. A story about forbidden love is just want I need and after learning about slavery in school I think this book will be pretty interesting. I need more romance in my life and I’m excited to see what this story brings

Diana

Cinthia Ayala

Wow! I had heard this book was really good and I loved the cover off the bat BUT I hadnever read a passage and to be honest didn’t know what it was about….until now. I LOVED those few sentences between A & K …and I love forbidden love as well… The author seems very eloquent in her answers to your questions and I can’t wait to read this novel…

Christine T

I’ve been really looking forward to picking this book up, as it’s a mix of my three favorites genres! (Historical fiction, fantasy and dystopia.) The fact that’s it’s being compared to the Grisha trilogy is also a very encouraging reason for why I need to pick it up. Loveee the Grisha trilogy.

I’ve been hearing about this book everywhere lately, and the summary just sounds so amazing! I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and this book seems like it’s exactly what I need right now. Plus, that cover!Teresa recently posted…Top 10 Books That Will Make You Cry

Laura M

This book had all the necessary elements that made me gush over a book, but especially the 2 main characters and their connection, and all the difficulties with it that make it deliciously complex.Marie Rutkoski is truly a gifted writer that I can’t wait to read more from!

Simran

The cover is gorgeous and the premise is interesting. All I’ve been hearing about is how great the story is and I really want to read this book!Sabrina recently posted…Review. . . Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Meredith

This book looks amazing. What intrigued me most was what scared Marie the most – the slavery angle. I’m so curious to read a love story that also navigates the inhumanity of slavery. And the comparisons to the Grisha trilogy don’t hurt either! More than anything, I’m just drawn to the unique story that stands out among so many tried and true plots that are flooding the market. I can’t wait to read this one!

From what I’ve read so far this book has all the elements I love in a book: medieval setting, bad guy is actually good guy, unexpected love interest, enemy become-lovers, magical realism, fairytale feeling to it. God, I guess I do have some cliches I like better than others XD.
Plus, I totally want that glitter! And isn’t the cover the most amazing thing?
Reminds me of Cruel Beauty and I loved that one.Tessa recently posted…Bridge of Snow (Winner’s Trilogy, #0.5)

This cover is gorgeous! Not only that but I’ve seen the great reviews and read a sample and I’m very intrigued! Thanks for this awesome giveaway :)Erin recently posted…3 Stars: Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott

This cover grabbed me right off the bat then I read the blurb and was immediately “in like” now I see it’s raved about which spiked my wanting even more. I love pretty dresses and historical fiction vibes. Swoon. I want a dress like that. The dress fromThese broken stars got me the same way

January

I’ve been seeing reviews for this book everywhere and they all praise it like crazy! Coupled with all of the interviews I’ve been reading and the fascinating premise… there’s no way I couldn’t want this book! I can’t wait for it to come out! :D

I have never read this author before and I keep hearing so many gorgeous things about her writing! Plus everyone keeps talking about this book ;) naturally I am just as interested.Lily B recently posted…Stacking The Shelves #12

I have seen this book in a lot of places lately and after reading several reviews it is definitely in my que! The cover itself is absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to dive in.Amanda Z recently posted…“Old Magic” An Oldie but a Goodie

Sashana

Wendy rarely raves about books so when she starts singing praises I notice. I want to read this book because I trust Wendy’s opinion. Also, I’m tired of reading the same old, same old YA stories. I want something new and refreshing to shake the Young Adult genre up and I believe that this is the book.

Markella W

I read her last book, The Shadow Society, and it just wasn’t my cup of tea. This makes me wary about all the craziness around this book. I never like to dismiss an author after one book and I’m positive I’m going to give this a try but I just hope it is a little more thought out than the last one.

I’ll tell you a not-so-secret secret–I only read a couple chapters of SHADOW SOCIETY and couldn’t get into it, and my co-blogger K didn’t really care for it, either.

I was also extremely suspicious of all the praise heaped on this book, but I ended up LOVING it. So while it’s certainly not going to be to everyone’s taste (I’ve been seeing some reviews come in from people who don’t like the fact that Kestrel is a more introspective heroine, and that a large part of the book is more concerned with dialogue and relationships than with action), I’m really glad to hear that you’re going to give this one a chance. I rarely would give up on an author on the basis of just one book either, so hopefully you’ll find this as wonderful as I did! And if so, please come back and let me know. :)

This story is an enigma it’s a Historical Fantasy but also not a setting itself as one. Just the title and the idea of getting what I want is going to get me into troubles; that’s my kind of story for sure. I just can’t wait to get my hands upon this novel.

vero

Ahhhh Sunshine by Robin McKinley is on her favourite forbidden love story list?!? *swoon* I’m officially in love! (And also Jane Austen, but no love story list is complete without at least one of her books) But seriously, everyone either hasn’t read Sunshine or hated it :( I am of the opinion Robin McKinley can do no wrong (except not finish a series *scowls*), so I loved it.

But I digress. This book looks awesome! I haven’t been this excited about a book in a while! Hopefully my library will actually preorder this one…Elizabeth recently posted…A Day in the Life (3)

Rachel Spring

I love the description and the cover for The Winner’s Curse. I have been excited about this book for quite some time now. I am so glad there is no love triangle, and I love that the love interests are so drastically different, which is somewhat similar to the Legend series by Marie Lu with two people from totally different social classes, one extremely powerful and the other with no power at all. I can’t wait to read it!!!

Kaitlin W

Okay so I may have already gotten ahold of a DRC and READ and LOVED this book, but I’m eager for the release date to re-read it. It was expertly plotted and beautifully written. Also, that means we’ll be that much closer to the release of the sequel!Jamie recently posted…Three Traits I Require to Love Fictional Characters

Jennifer Yang

I read the preview chapters on Amazon for this book, and I was hooked! I enjoyed the vivid image of the world that the story manages to create within the first few chapters. In the past, I’ve enjoyed books with political plot lines, and I’m excited to read the rest of The Winner’s Curse!

Melanie Montgomery

I just read this book, and for once I think the hype is justified. So good!! I love all the social and political issues the book brings up, but also the very personal aspects that are involved in this. The romance is definitely a slow burn, which is awesome.Ashley @ Book Labyrinth recently posted…The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons (Review, Excerpt & Giveaway!)

I’m so excited for this book to release and fall into my hands, it’s almost ridiculous! ;) Still, I loveeee a slow-burn forbidden romance and the romances that Rutkoski cited – Brigan and Fire, Jonah Griggs, Gen and Irene – are love stories I return to time and time again. Something about them is just so re-readable and timeless that I can never grow tired of witnessing those couples fall in love. Needless to say, this post has made me even more excited for March 4th than I was before, so thanks for sharing this one, ladies! :DKeertana @ Ivy Book Bindings recently posted…Romance Mini-Reviews: Bitter Spirits & Just One Night

Jackie Marsh

Very excited to read this book! After reading the Q&A and Wendy’s review on Goodreads and her mention of “if you love the Grisha Trilogy”,which I do, I’m very much looking forward to reading this book!

Between the questions answered and the little dialogue from the book, this book has jumped to the top of my 2014 must read list. It sounds like it’ll be one that lingers on your mind for quite some time.Orchid @ The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia recently posted…2014 TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Well first there is Wendy’s review assuring me that I will love this novel! Then there is that little snippet there where Arin is so angry, it makes me want to see how you wrote about human slavery. I can only imagine a few things equally difficult but if you got such a great review from Wendy, I just want to see how wonderfully you did it.

Van Pham

I love YA novels. They are much more emotionally investing and I have been starving for a real copy lately. The Winner’s Curse has a very interesting premise and I would love to read it. The themes of honor and love and freedom have always been my most passionate and most explored themes and I would want to read a hard copy of this book *______*

I read the first 5 chapters on my Kindle and when the last page was turned I almost cried in giddiness but also frustration! Kestrel and Arin hooked me and I fell in love with the world building already! I want more. No, I need it. :)

Bhavitha

This book has been on my list since last March, and I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED! The premise, the cover, the genre, everything is perfect. I live for slow burn romances, and this one promises to exceed expectations.

Darith L.

Amber

I’ve seen a few books come out recently that seem to fall into a “futuristic” or “ultramodern” historical fiction category, but The Winner’s Circle sounds like it has a very interesting plot and characters that will really pull me into the story and make me root for them and cry with them. I can’t wait to experience this book.

Oh! I LOVE this post :D Thank you so so much for sharing. <3 Sigh. The Winner's Curse was just so good. And the romance was so perfect, hih. Though that ending is evil. But ohh. Those book recs. I have only read Fire and Jellicoe Road, but those two I LOVED like crazy. So I might have to check out the other books as well :D
<3Carina Olsen recently posted…Cress Tuesday #16

I have been dying to read this book from ages. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this book, they have rendered me super curious. And such an interesting post on forbidden love.Soumi Roy recently posted…Cover Reveal : Rain by Christie Cote

I’ve been eying this book for ages! Torn between two options, and then bypassing them to buy a slave, and do your own damn thing? This is a heroine I must read!Kristen Jett recently posted…What If You Don’t Like Your CP’s Book?

I’m so obsessed with this book! I haven’t read it, but everyone loves it so–and the first few chapters were fantastic and the short story was beautiful. It doesn’t help that she referenced so many books that I adore and I might now be in love with Marie after her comments on Romeo and Juliet. Ah!Rachel @ Paper Cuts recently posted…Review: Her Dark Curiosity (The Madman’s Daughter #2) by Megan Shepherd

Oh thanks for the interview. I’m sad to say I haven’t read any of the romances… but I had the book yesterday so I can’t wait to start it! So curious.Melliane recently posted…Night Owls by Lauren M. Roy

Oh, how cruel Arin is! But I love the passion behind it, he strongly feels that Kestrel wouldn’t care. I’m so excited to get my hands on this book! I love this kind of forbidden romance, and if it’s a slowburn romance, I’m ALL IN! ( I hate instalove! ) Great post Marie, and thanks for sharing Wendy! :)Neyra recently posted…Review: Love Gone Mad by Mark Rubinstein

Natalie

I am so excited to read this book because it seems to offer a different kind of romance that’s a slow burn instead of instant perfection and that offers such real obstacles. I’ve also been searching for really original new fantasy, and this seems like it’s an excellent choice.

Because, oh god(!). Okay, so that didn’t come out as expected. I’ll need help by quoting the author’s words here: “I want my wants as rich and beautiful and painful and complex as they come.”
YES.
That.
I love that. I love my books to be as bittersweet & painful & as full of hope as possible, because I’m probably crazy, but that’s a fact. Also, since all I’ve ever had in my life is unrequited love (again, I’m all too crazy) I guess I also like my characters so be so very afraid & deny the love they feel.
This book, damn. Looks like it will be my (literary. Probably platonic, too) destruction & I can’t wait to have it.

I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews about this one. It’s one of my most anticipated books of 2014. I really can’t wait to read it as it seems right up my alley. Looking forward to being able to sink my teeth into this one. :)

I follow Wendy on Goodreads and saw her comment on the book and thought in sounded wonderful. After I read this book I will probably give it to my high school library as they do not get a lot of money to buy books

Mona

Vivien

This book is one that immediately made my wishlist. But I was a skeptic at first. I thought to myself, what a gorgeous cover and great sounding premise. Too good to be true right? Well, now the reviews are coming out, and I’m pleasantly surprised! It’s like I’ve been waiting for this book for years. I’m thrilled. (Granted I haven’t read it yet, but based on those reviewers I trust, I have a feeling I’ll really enjoy.) The forbidden aspect, while overdone at times can be written really well. Which I must admit, is my guilty pleasure. I cannot wait to read this book!

I absolutely LOVED this book!!! The forbidden romance did indeed have that slow burn that I love so much. I read a borrowed copy, and I NEED this book in my life so I can read it again! :DJessi @ Novel Heartbeat recently posted…Review: The Nightmare Dilemma by Mindee Arnett

When I read your review I knew I needed to read this book. Now I just need to read it more! I love people trying not to fall in love, or trying to convince the other that they’re not. The furtiveness reminds me of being infatuated. In hindsight it probably didn’t matter whether your crush knew or not, but at the time it was this grand secret–or it always was for me. (I was a secretive child.)

The excerpt definitely has me intrigued, and I’m also glad to see “Fingersmith” on the list! (I just got that out of the library.) Ahhh, it’s so good to have books to look forward to! Although, ugh, why are they always series?! I’ll never be satisfied!Valerie recently posted…Story envy

Danielle Hamilton

I love forbidden romances but I’m very much curious as to how this particular dynamic will play out. It can be well done with a power dynamic like that or very very cringeworthy. I look forward to seeing her take.Toks W recently posted…Most Anticipated Books of 2014

Wonderful interview Wendy! :) With every post involving this book, my excitement increases a tiny bit. I’m most excited to see if this book is worth the hype, and why. I want to read about the setting and see the amazing ‘slow burn’ relationship for myself. I also want to see some great character development.

Forbidden romances are MY FAVORITESTEST!! I have been dying to read The Truth About Forever for ages and I didn’t even know it had one! *Le gasp!!!*. I also LOVED Where She Went!! I was actually stalking the The Winner’s Curse Pinterest board the other day someone had tweeted about it – so many pretty dresses!! <3Giselle recently posted…Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Absolutely love forbidden romances! I am beyond excited to read this one. Whenever I hear a book has one I am drawn to it even more. Slow burns are wonderful too! Thank you for this giveaway!sarabara081 @ Forever 17 Books recently posted…Movie Thoughts: Vampire Academy

I was already beyond intrigued but this book, but this comment: “The Grisha trilogy is ending this June, and this might just be the thing that takes your mind off that pain” pretty much sealed the deal for me. I am so in love with The Grisha trilogy and if this will take my mind off the pain of a beloved series ending, that is even better. Besides, who doesn’t love the prospect of forbidden in love?!Andrea @ Bookish recently posted…Blog Tour: Pieces of Me by Amber Kizer (Review + Giveaway)

Nadia

I want to read this book for a few reasons: 1) The summary sounds really interesting. 2) You girls are recommending it to Leigh Bardugo fans, which I am :D 3) I keep reading so many great things about it in the blogosphere! I’m excited :D

Leah

I’ll admit, I first added this to my “to read” list because of the beautiful cover. But as I’ve heard more and more about the book, I can’t wait to read it! I am a hopeless romantic, and I agree completely with what Marie says about the appeal of forbidden romance. I can only imagine that adding the issue of slavery to the mix makes it so much more complicated.

I was drawn to this book the first time I saw it–I love the color scheme and image–so beautiful! I am very interested in this theme of forbidden love in the story, and am anxious to get my hands on this book-I have another book of Marie’s and think it’s awesome that she is an English professor and a writer! I am an adjunct professor and get so excited when I hear about English professors who teach children’s literature and also write it. Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books, so was excited to see that on the list. I am certainly looking forward to reviewing this book on the blog in terms of its spirituality. What a fabulous prize package!Kate recently posted…Do you want to see the future?–Review: Pivot Point (2013) by Kaisie West

I have seen and heard SO many good things about this book. It’s one of my most anticipated of 2014, not only because it’s epic fantasy (which is my ultimate favorite genre), but because of the forbidden love and the different elements it has. Kestrel seems so interesting, and I can’t wait to learn more about her.

Thanks for hosting the giveaway!Katie Bucklein recently posted…Monday Music 19

Melinda Christensen

Sophia D

I have no words for how much I adore this book. And I just looked at the pintrest page and got very excited about book 2. I CANNOT WAIT. But I’m also pretty sure it’s going to shred my soul into even more tiny pieces. These are really insightful questions, and many of those forbidden romances are my favorites as well. I also love that some I hadn’t previously thought of as ‘forbidden’ but I like that Marie has labeled them that way. And YES to this: “We know what it’s like to want what we can’t have, but we also know what it’s like to deny ourselves what we think we shouldn’t be allowed to have. As a reader, I want my wants as rich and beautiful and painful and complex as they come.”Lauren @ Love is not a triangle recently posted…Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

I’m usually not the biggest fan of romance but this book has been at the top of my 2014 wishlist since first reading the summary! This was an awesome guest post and makes me even more anxious to get my hands on a copy! Thanks for the chance to win!Donna @ A Happy Booker recently posted…Audiobook review–Landry Park by Bethany Hagen

I have an e-galley of this but haven’t read it yet. Besides the pretty cover I am excited about romance! Forbidden romance is also one of my faves and I love it when characters are fighting their feelings but then just can’t anymore. And then BOOM. Awesome.fishgirl182 recently posted…Manicure Monday (50): Code Name Verity

Danielle D

Well, first of all, the cover is simply amazing! I am really interested in seeing how the relationship plays out. Buying someone as a slave has to be a huge hurdle to overcome in a romantic relationship. I want to see how Arin and Kestrel eventually land on some kind of even footing where they can actually commit to being with one another. Can’t wait for this release!

Ohhh, I’m so excited to read this one!! I love the list. I haven’t read any of those forbidden love stories. I should be ashamed of myself! I’m going to get on that pronto. :) Great post! Thanks for sharing!Lisa (Lost in Literature) recently posted…Review: Better off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

I’ve read this one already but am so deeply in love with it. Marie’s writing is so superb, beautiful and just all the good things. I love her answers…just so thoughtful. She is able to voice feelings I have that I’m not able to put into any coherent thought (case in point–this comment).Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction recently posted…The Winner’s Curse Blog Tour- Interview, Playlist & Giveaway (US/Canada)

It’s definitely a slow burn romance, as they’re both trying to navigate their worlds and cross boundaries that, according to their world’s laws, shouldn’t be crossed. There’s something to be said for forbidden romance — I’ve never been good at resisting temptation but I love the anxiety and hope that comes from these types of romances. Plus, The Winner’s Curse was AWESOME.Mary @ BookSwarm recently posted…Dragons FTW: MOTH AND SPARK by Anne Leonard

[…] on next to Rose. I guess I always imagined him with a martial artist’s physique. Reading Marie Rutkoski’s post about forbidden love yesterday really reminded my of what it is about the Dimitri/Rose thing that works so well in the […]